Legendary journalist Liz Hayes has announced she is leaving Nine Network, marking the end of her remarkable 44-year tenure with the broadcaster. This stunning announcement has sent ripples through the Australian media industry, as Hayes has long been considered one of its most esteemed figures.
Starting her career with Nine as a reporter for 9News back in 1981, Hayes quickly made her mark. She went on to present morning bulletins before co-hosting the popular Today show for ten years, from 1986 to 1996. Her transition to the iconic current affairs program 60 Minutes solidified her position as one of Australia's premier journalists.
Throughout her illustrious career, Hayes has tackled countless significant stories, from US presidential elections to the devastating Syrian refugee crisis. Hayes's influence isn't merely notable for the stories she told, but also for the people she interviewed—ranging from prime ministers to Hollywood stars. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest interviewers ever to grace Australian television.
Despite her storied past, Hayes's departure has been framed partly by recent tensions with senior executives at Nine. Reports indicated a long-standing “standoff” with the executive producer of 60 Minutes over production standards, which Hayes believed had waned over the years. This discord became particularly apparent when Hayes was absent from promotional materials for upcoming 2025 shows, raising questions about her role within the network.
Michael Healy, Director of Television at Nine, expressed gratitude for Hayes's incredible contributions. He said, “Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine. Her accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is – tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller.”
Reflecting on her time at Nine, Hayes shared some poignant thoughts during her farewell. “When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories,” she said. The sentiment reflects the deep-rooted passion she has maintained throughout her career. “I leave Nine grateful for the decades of experience and the wonderful friendships,” she added, encapsulating the emotional weight of her exit.
Hayes's impact extends well beyond celebrity interviews and major news events. Over her 44 years at Nine, she has earned numerous accolades for her storytelling, including the prestigious Logie Award for her acclaimed documentary The Greatest Gift and the 2024 Media Diversity Australia Award for Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, celebrating her exceptional contributions to diverse journalistic narratives.
It’s also important to note Hayes's imminent plans. While she has announced her departure, she will continue to contribute to the Nine Network by covering specific stories and participating in special events. This will allow her to maintain her connection with the network and her loyal audience, even as she embarks on new ventures. Hayes implied her future is bright, stating, “I have had the most extraordinary life telling wonderful stories working with brilliant people and I am not going anywhere” when asked about her next steps.
The media industry and the Australian public are left contemplating the legacy of Liz Hayes—the unparalleled influence, her esteemed career, and her quest for storytelling. What’s clear is her departure from Nine doesn’t signal the end but rather the beginning of what she describes as “a great, new, exciting chapter” of her life.
Indeed, Hayes has hinted at future projects, including writing about Australian astronomer Trevor Barry, promising fans and followers her stories are far from over. “I plan to continue telling stories, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride,” she said, as she prepares to explore more paths.
Her exit not only diminishes the Nine Network’s luster but also leaves behind the indelible mark of her gargantuan contributions to Australian journalism. Liz Hayes's departure from Nine is undoubtedly “the end of an era,” yet her rich storytelling legacy will persist, inspiring generations to come.